One thing in particular to keep an eye on are the three-star prospects–because some of them are going to be All-Americans in the next few years, which is far beyond what they’ve been forecast to do. Johnny Manziel was a three-star prospect with most of the recruiting services, and we all know how that went. He’s a good example of how players can blossom beyond expectations.

Here are five SEC three-star signees who we think will flourish at the next level:

EDITOR’S NOTE: All references to ratings come from the 247Sports.com composite ranking

Kendrick Doss, QB, Ole Miss: We’ve gotten so caught up in the QB hype surrounding Texas A&M’s Kyle Allen and Florida’s Will Grier that we’ve completely skipped over this Alabama native. Doss can flat out own the QB position, and the Rebels know it. He’s a scary dual-threat quarterback that I think is vastly underrated as a three-star prospect. As a junior, he rushed for 21 touchdowns, but also threw for 16. As a senior, he nearly matched that kind of production.

Lashard Durr, CB, Mississippi State: Durr is a playmaker. He’s not your typical cover guy who can’t hit–this kid can play physical when he needs to, but also fly with the best receivers. Once he gets some instructional time in preseason drills and gets some experience on the field, watch out. The Bulldogs have had some good, physical DBs over the years, and Durr could be another one of them.

Kendrick Edwards, WR, Arkansas: Edwards is a Miami native, and sometimes the talent in south Florida gets docked a few points because it is so competitive. Not everybody from south Florida can be a four-star prospect. Edwards is 6-foot-6 and will tower over most cornerbacks. It’ll be interesting to watch him develop. This is another one of those south Florida gems former Miami head coach Randy Shannon was able to bring in as a Razorbacks’ assistant.

Kalan Ritchie, TE, South Carolina: Ritchie is a big kid (6-4/215) who was being chased by several top schools. Once he gets coached up a little bit with the Gamecocks, he should flourish. He’s a good athlete who can be physical when needed.

Trevon Walters, RB, Mizzou: We’re not real sure what people are missing on here. Walters isn’t the size of LSU RB signee Leonard Fournette, but he is stout and he was super productive last fall for a very good program in Florida. He also is very dangerous catching the ball out of the backfield. Tennessee knew he was good–they tried to steal him during January, but Walters wouldn’t budge.

Joel, Skip’s just basing it on what he’s seen the past couple of years, but you are right……this year’s class (2014) is stout, and 2015 might be a top 10 or 15 type class. Keep an eye out this week for my one-on-one with Ty Storey, Arkansas QB commit for 2015 who is the current No. 1 QB commit in the SEC in his class.

Brian great story, thanks. I think every one of these 3 stars will be an essential part of those teams. We are living in weird times. Missouri has three quarterbacks in a row go to the NFL, then a 5 star quarterback James Franklin gets over-shadowed by a 1000 yard rusher recruiting nobody Kendial Lawrence, then another 1000 yarder recruiting nobody Henry Josey does it for two years, then another recruiting nobody rusher Marcus Murphy is at the top of the yards per carry SEC. Now comes Walters (and Hansborough, and Steward (2013 Tennessee v Missouri). Could Missouri become the running team they were with the Sikeston Train James Wilder?

Joel, Skip’s just basing it on what he’s seen the past couple of years, but you are right……this year’s class (2014) is stout, and 2015 might be a top 10 or 15 type class. Keep an eye out this week for my one-on-one with Ty Storey, Arkansas QB commit for 2015 who is the current No. 1 QB commit in the SEC in his class.

Brian great story, thanks. I think every one of these 3 stars will be an essential part of those teams. We are living in weird times. Missouri has three quarterbacks in a row go to the NFL, then a 5 star quarterback James Franklin gets over-shadowed by a 1000 yard rusher recruiting nobody Kendial Lawrence, then another 1000 yarder recruiting nobody Henry Josey does it for two years, then another recruiting nobody rusher Marcus Murphy is at the top of the yards per carry SEC. Now comes Walters (and Hansborough, and Steward (2013 Tennessee v Missouri). Could Missouri become the running team they were with the Sikeston Train James Wilder?